OM System
PEN-F
Retro-styled MFT rangefinder body with 20MP sensor, built-in EVF, and classic dial controls.
$1,199
Launch priceReleased Jan 2016
Panasonic
Lumix G9
Original G9 stills flagship with 20MP MFT sensor, 60fps electronic burst, and excellent IBIS.
$1,699
Launch priceReleased Nov 2017
Lumix G9 is 1.8 years newer.
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Wins
PEN-F
Wins
Lumix G9
8 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- BLumix G9 has higher Burst (electronic) (60 fps vs 15 fps)
- BLumix G9 has higher AF points / zones (225 vs 81)
- APEN-F has lower ISO min (native) (100 vs 200)
- BLumix G9 has higher Burst (mechanical) (12 fps vs 6 fps)
- APEN-F has higher Battery life (CIPA) (640 shots vs 400 shots)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this size diff to share
PEN-F
125 × 72 × 37 mm
427 g (0.94 lb / 15.06 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
Lumix G9
137 × 97 × 92 mm
658 g (1.45 lb / 23.21 oz)
PEN-F is 12mm narrower, 25mm shorter, and 54mm thinner than Lumix G9.
PEN-F is 231 g lighter than Lumix G9.
Depth (front-to-back): 37mm PEN-F · 92mm Lumix G9
Back view, to scale
Width × Height — same proportions as the front of the body.
PEN-F
125 × 72 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
Lumix G9
137 × 97 mm
Top view, to scale
Width × Depth (front-to-back) — see which body is chunkier on the table.
PEN-F
125 × 37 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
Lumix G9
137 × 92 mm
Sensor size, to scale
PEN-F
17.3 × 13 mm · Micro Four Thirds
225 mm² area
Lumix G9
17.3 × 13 mm · Micro Four Thirds
225 mm² area
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
PEN-F
✓ more lensesMicro Four Thirds
130+
native lenses available
Lumix G9
✓ more lensesMicro Four Thirds
130+
native lenses available
Counts include current first-party and major third-party native autofocus lenses.
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose
PEN-F
AF low-light limit
-7 EV vs -4 EV — lower is better
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 124.8, 72.1, 37.3
ISO min (native)
100 vs 200 — lower is better
Subject recognition
Adds Bird, Vehicle
Codecs
Adds H.265
Battery life (CIPA)
640 shots vs 400 shots — higher is better
Weight
427 g vs 658 g — lower is better
EVF magnification
1.08 × vs 0.83 × — higher is better
Reasons to choose
Lumix G9
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 136.9, 97.3, 91.6
Burst (electronic)
60 fps vs 15 fps — higher is better
Codecs
Adds MP4, AVCHD
AF points / zones
225 vs 81 — higher is better
Subject recognition
Adds Face, Eye
Burst (mechanical)
12 fps vs 6 fps — higher is better
Weather sealing
Only Lumix G9 supports it
EVF resolution
3,680,000 vs 2,360,000 — higher is better
Both cameras share
- ✓Resolution — Both 20.3 MP
- ✓ISO max (native) — Both 25,600
- ✓AF frame coverage — Both 100 %
- ✓Eye AF — Both support eye af
- ✓Animal / bird AF — Both support animal / bird af
- ✓Pre-Capture / Pre-Release — Both support pre-capture / pre-release
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
PEN-F
Pros
- ✓Beautiful retro design
- ✓Built-in EVF
- ✓20MP MFT
- ✓Creative dial modes
Cons
- –No IBIS
- –MFT sensor
- –Discontinued
Lumix G9
Pros
- ✓60fps electronic burst
- ✓Strong IBIS
- ✓Weather sealed
- ✓Large EVF
Cons
- –Older contrast AF
- –MFT sensor
- –Superseded by G9 II
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the PEN-F and Lumix G9 at major authorized retailers.
OM System PEN-F
Panasonic Lumix G9
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for sports, PEN-F or Lumix G9?
Lumix G9 scores 9.5/10 versus 5.5/10 for PEN-F — 60fps burst — pro-level action capture.
What's the resolution difference between the PEN-F and Lumix G9?
Both cameras share the same 20.3 MP resolution.
Do the PEN-F and Lumix G9 have in-body image stabilization?
PEN-F has 6-stop in-body image stabilization, while Lumix G9 has 6.5-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the PEN-F or the Lumix G9?
PEN-F reaches 15 fps electronic. Lumix G9 reaches 60 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the PEN-F and Lumix G9?
PEN-F weighs 427 g and Lumix G9 weighs 658 g, so the PEN-F is 231 g lighter.
Do the PEN-F and Lumix G9 record 4K video?
PEN-F: 4K up to 60p. Lumix G9: 4K up to 60p.
Are the PEN-F and Lumix G9 weather sealed?
PEN-F: No. Lumix G9: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 640 shots (CIPA) for the PEN-F and 400 shots for the Lumix G9, giving the PEN-F the edge.
How much does each cost?
PEN-F launched at $1,199 and Lumix G9 at $1,699. The PEN-F is $500 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way PEN-F vs Lumix G9 vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed September 2026.
Product images courtesy of OM System and Panasonic press materials.